Park Would Provide Room To Roam

NEW BRITAIN — City dog owners are closer to having a place where their pets can play off the leash after the parks and recreation commission on Thursday approved a dog park.

Planned for 1.6 acres in Stanwood Park, the dog park will give the city's 2,500 licensed dogs an open space to exercise and play without their owners' violating leash and roaming ordinances.

``We do need a dog park,'' said Peter Oshana, owner of a yellow and a chocolate Labrador retriever. ``Not only do I think it's something we need, I recommend ... a second one on the east side.''

Some residents who came to a public hearing worried local tax revenue would be used on the Slater Road project -- an idea they oppose during tight fiscal times.

But Alderwoman Judith Olson, who headed the project, insisted city money would not be used. While she could not give an estimate on its cost, she said donations and regular events -- such as the dog park's opening day and an annual Dog Day festival -- would pay for the facility.

Funding would also come from registration for use of the park: $25 a dog for New Britain residents, and $50 for nonresidents. All dogs would have to be licensed.

``This is not coming from city funds,'' Olson said Thursday after presenting the plan to the commission. ``It's not going to be a [budget] line item in the parks and recreation department.'' Any work on the park by city employees, she said, would be reimbursed by the dog park fund.

Proponents said the park was much-needed. It would give owners -- particularly apartment dwellers -- a place to take their dogs legally, making the city's other parks safer and cleaner for folks to walk in. They said it would also provide a place for owners and dogs to socialize.

``A dog is social. A dog loves people. They need to have a place to run,'' said Amy Zigas, the owner of a golden retriever. ``It makes for an overall better family pet, in my opinion.''

But some worried that the dog park would take up precious practice space for children in Little League programs. ``Fields in this town are at a premium,'' said Phil Pepin, vice president of N.B. Fagan Jr. Baseball League.

Others still worried the dog park eventually would cost the city money, despite Olson's assurances.

``Many programs that are supposed to pay for themselves wind up costing the city of New Britain,'' Roger Dickinson said.

Friends of the Dog Park, the group that has helped craft the proposal, will now focus on fund-raising and will work with the city to develop plans. A concept plan shows the gated park would have parking, a shaded area and pooper scooper stations.